Battery Pack Cover Venting Layout for Thermal Propagation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely packed battery packs, high-temperature gas generated during thermal events in one battery module can propagate to adjacent modules, leading to a chain reaction and potential explosion, as existing structures fail to safely discharge gas without affecting other modules.
Innovation Solution
The battery pack incorporates a pack cover with side venting channels and a center venting channel, where the side channels guide gas to the center channel, and the center channel, with a larger volume, safely discharges the gas outside, preventing backflow and ensuring smooth discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery modules are densely packed to increase energy density, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but the risk of thermal propagation and explosion increases when gas is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independent accommodation spaces (first accommodation space, second accommodation space) separated by a center space. Each space contains battery modules that are isolated from each other, preventing thermal propagation while maintaining high density packing.
Solution Approach 2:
A pack cover with venting channels is introduced as an intermediary structure between battery modules. The venting channels (first side venting channel, second side venting channel, center venting channel) provide a controlled pathway for gas discharge, mediating the thermal event to prevent uncontrolled propagation.
2Reliability
If gas venting channels are added to safely discharge high-temperature gas, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pack cover serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component of the battery pack housing and simultaneously integrates the venting channel system for gas discharge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate venting components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting channels are nested within the pack cover structure. The first side venting channel, second side venting channel, and center venting channel are integrated into the existing pack cover geometry, allowing the gas discharge function to be embedded within the structural component rather than adding external complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively controls gas flow, reduces the intensity of flames, and prevents damage by safely discharging high-temperature gas outside the pack, thereby preventing chain reactions and explosions.
Implementation Method 1
a first side venting channel having a first volume and configured to guide the gas generated in the first battery module to the center space
Implementation Method 2
a center venting channel having a third volume equal to or greater than the first volume and the second volume and configured to guide the gas collected in the center space to the outside of the pack housing
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack is configured to discharge a high-temperature gas to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other adjacent battery modules when the gas is generated inside the battery module. The battery pack includes a pack housing; battery modules; and a pack cover configured to include a side venting channel configured to guide the gas generated in the battery module to the center space at a position corresponding to the battery module, and a center venting channel having a volume equal to or greater than the volume of the side venting channel and configured to guide the gas collected in the center space to the outside of the pack housing at a position corresponding to the center space.